In keeping with my monthly theme of being happy, I wanted to focus on the ‘dreaded’ meeting or conference you need to attend. Recently, I attended a meeting and met a person who stated out loud how much he dreaded being there. Why would anyone do that? You should be happy you are employed, are still wanted at meetings and try to gain some knowledge and inspiration from these gatherings.

And on the other hand, if you are in charge of a meeting where the energy is low, the content is average and the participation a joke, then you need to reinvent your meetings, conferences and possibly yourself!

A meeting or conference should seem like a gift and worth the time. Ask questions, take notes and challenge yourself to add value. Why would any executive look at you or remember you if you don’t participate, contribute and collaborate?

So here are my tips for your next meeting:1. Rotate who runs the meeting – don’t make the mistake of always having the boss in charge2. Make sure everyone has their calendar with them for planning purposes3. Have an agenda (even if it is handwritten) to keep focused4. Don’t allow individuals to hijack the meeting 5. Have a learning or training topic at each meeting and give each person the responsibility of presenting a learning topic6. Hold people accountable for being on time – and don’t run the meeting over the end time7. Change the location where you hold meetings8. Encourage people to challenge ideas but not ‘play politics’9. Continue to focus on learning something new and sharing fresh ideas – don’t rehash old news or issues10. Remember that you need to be re-charged, re-energized and re-focused all the time – allow the meetings and conferences to do that

MEET CINDY

I am Cindy Novotny and my goal in life has always been to become the best I could be and to help others do the same. I created my own definition of the word Passion; it is a combination of love and anger and if you really love something, it should royally tick you off when it doesn’t go right. Therefore, professional success, success in marriage, raising my daughter, helping my family and giving more than I could ever hope to get back is a result of my PASSION! No kidding, I am a ‘take no prisoner,’ friend and a kick ass mentor.